Liverpool triumph in County FA Youth Cup Final

Liverpool’s talented Under-18 representative side has lifted the FA County Youth Cup, following a 2-0 victory over their counterparts from the Sussex County FA at Crawley Town Football Club on Sunday, April 10.

The team, managed by former Tranmere Rovers boss John McMahon, secured the coveted trophy thanks to first-half goals from Usen Jones and John McGrath at the Checkatrade Stadium; helping Liverpool to their first FA County Youth Cup since 1995.

Despite starting the game well, Sussex fell behind after 21 minutes when midfielder Jones’ strike from 20 yards took a deflection that saw it find the back of the net. Victory was sealed 12 minutes later when McGrath’s mesmerising solo run was completed with a composed side-footed finish.

Whilst Sussex continued to push for a foothold in the game Liverpool’s defence stood firm and denied the hosts any chance of getting back into the game ensuring McMahon’s side enjoyed a memorable trip back to Merseyside with their deserved silverware. Congratulations to John, his staff and all the players that have represented the team and the county this season.

Goals from Vinny O Toole (2), Matty Maguire (2) and John Mearns saw Crown FC lift The Tony Smith Memorial Trophy at Camel Lairds last Sunday after beating FC Vaults 5-4. Gary Smith’s outfit were 5-1 up at one point but Vaults dragged themselves back into contention making it a nervous last 10 minutes.

However Crown held their nerve and lifted the first trophy in their quest for a memorable maiden-season treble. This game was also notable for one of the most sporting gestures witnessed during a match when at 5-1 up and coasting Crown FC’s Manager believed his side had scored from an unfair position after a stoppage of play.

He duly informed his team to let FC Vaults score upon re-start which not only made it 5-2 but handed the impetus to the opposition who duly took advantage making it 5-4. Crown FC endured a nerve-wracking last 10 minutes but deservedly won the match showing true Corinthian spirit in the process. It was a cracking game to watch and congratulations to all involved especially Crown FC Secretary Ronnie Steele who does brilliant work on behalf of the league all season.

In The Tony Houlihan Memorial Challenge Cup fourth round Rock Ferry Social won 3-1 at home against Dock AFC after Adam Lea (2) and Ray Redmond got the goals for Rock Ferry with Jon Clampitt in reply for Dock.

Madisons held Shaftesbury A 2-2 after extra time with Shafts winning 5-4 on penalties and another game that went to penalties saw Queens overcome Thorne P & H to go through.

In the David Tacy Cup third round PSV Athletic were beaten 3-1 by FC Greasby thanks to goals from Carl Maughan (2) and Adam Winstanley while in round four New Ferry Rangers lost 4-0 at home against Neston Nomads who had Kevin Williams, Andrew Brown, Rob Marrs and John Lloyd getting the Nomads goals.

In Division One AFC Houlihans had goals from Danny Edwards (2), Paul Ryan (2), Chris Hannon, Connor Murphy and Gully Taylor as they beat Allport Athletic 7-3 while Stanleys Tower lost 3-1 against The Cat who had Chris Lavery (2) and Mike Bristow on target.

Division Three saw Sam Range score four of Arches five goals with Tommy Belton getting the other as they won 5-2 against Coach & Horses Moreton while Alex Forrest and Dominic Patrick netted for South Rangers Athletic who won 2-1 against New Ferry Rangers Town.

Wirral Radio lost by the odd goal in seven going down 4-3 against Port Sunlight who had Adam Grimes (2), Marc Lawlor and Graeme Ross on target.

West Cheshire League - Motors put the brakes on South’s bid to extend lead

South Liverpool's chance to go two points clear in the race for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title came unstuck on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by fourth placed Vauxhall Motors. Cam Dalton obliged for the reigning champions with Danny Cross in reply for the Motormen, and with the winning post now looming into view, all four of the top clubs are still firmly in the equation.

The 6-1 midweek rout of Hale saw Maghull elevated to top spot but Wednesday's 5-0 triumph at Mallaby, followed by Saturday's 4-2 eclipse of Hale, kept third placed Chester Nomads in contention. Dale Harris, Louis Moss, Louis Moss, Sam Manton and Simon Andrews were Nomads' marksmen while Brad Williams bagged both of the hosts’ goals.

Consistent performers Upton AA recorded their twelfth win of the season after a Nathan Mapletoft hat-trick anchored them to a 5-1 win at West Kirkby & Wasps whilst Blacon YC's depleted line up suffered a 10-0 defeat at Mossley Hill Athletic who had Tom McNamara (3), Adele Mohamed (2), Callum Jones (2), Owen Cassidy, Luke Dunbavin and Bobby Jones sharing the goals.

Helsby's bid to avoid the drop was helped by a fine 3-1 result over Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves which was confirmed by efforts from Jack Nicholls, Matty Johnson and Jack Coady.

A much stronger Ashville continued their climb up the table and went one better by humbling Vauxhall Motors Reserves 10-2 highlighted by a four goal blast from Lee Healey, supported by doubles from Jake Prescott, Stuart Hardman and Paul Linfield.

Despite goals from Thomas Ferro and Connor Ellis-Pratt Southport Trinity capitulated 3-2 at home to replies from Prescot Cables Reserves Adam Watt, Francis Foy and Scott Thomas while the respective scorers in Marshalls' 1-1 stalemate with West Kirby & Wasps Reserves were John Carlin and Jacob McLaughlin.

A double from Danny O'Connor was supplemented by further efforts from Carter Costello, Liam Parkinson and Josh Rice as Division Three title favourites Bootle Reserves retained pole position on goal difference from Heswall Reserves who maintained interest after Luke Blondell (2), Jamie Manifold, Joe Sephton, Gary Fletcher and James Green found the net in Saturday's 6-1 decision over Marshalls Reserves.

Promotion outsiders Mersey Royal savoured a 4-0 result at Chester Nomads Reserves thanks to efforts from Dean Nunn, Leon Clarke, Mark Head and Lewis Clarke.

Wallasey & District League

Bad luck befell Millhouse in the semi-final of the Cheshire FA Cup as they conceded two goals in the first 15 minutes and despite putting in a hard working performance they were beaten by a very confident Buck Inn team who finished them off with a third goal in the dying minutes.

Also netting five goals were Grange Hearts as they saw off the challenge of Lord Nelson (Matty Pickles & Chris Walker) thanks to Andy Noonan (2), Jack Bradley, Liam Parry and Tony Lanphier bagging the goals.

Scoring one more were Woodchurch United who beat Cavendish FC 6-1 due to doubles from Dan Povall and Ben Kearney plus singles from Dave Lee and Keith Lewis to reach the last eight while Ship Wallasey and Windsor fought out a ten goal encounter that was decided from the penalty spot after they drew 5-5 after extra time. John Pomphrett (2), Lee Hammond (2) and Josh Davies netted for Ship before they sunk Windsor 4-3 on penalties to go through.

The race for the Division One title continues as Telegraph outran Olympic Rangers to record a 5-3 success to go top on goal difference after Dan Allen, Dan Ryan and Craig Durrell netted for Olympic while Upton FC claimed a point in the 3-3 draw with Matrix FC as Dan Chamney bagged a brace of goals and Reece Mearns added a single in this end to end affair.

The only game in Division Two resulted in a 3-0 victory for Upton Town over Halfway House thanks to efforts from Tom Blaydon, Callum Murdock and Jake Prescott earning the points.

AC Hoylake are now two points clear at the top of the Grove Youth Division following their excellent 4-1 success away at title contenders Oldershaw Athletic courtesy of goals from Lewis Ryan, Harry Jolley, Joe D-Henin and an own goal.

Coming up on the rails though are Shore Villa who beat Ashville Youth 2-1 with a double from Dan Ebbrell, as Charlie Bennett netted the consolation while Eastham Rangers Youth beat Upton Youth 4-2.

An unplayable pitch at Gayton Park caused the postponement of the Division Two cup final which was disappointing for all concerned but beyond the control of the League Management Committee. A date and venue will be re-arranged in the coming weeks.

County Premier Saturday Youth Division - Trio in battle for division title

The Saturday Youth Division is still up for grabs as three teams compete for the Championship going into the run-in. Bootle Bucks narrowly beat Pex Hill 1-0 to stay in top spot by a point as Mike Byron scored his first goal of the season while MSB Woolton Okell annihilated Sweeps Tropicana 17-0 to stake their title claim with Sean Boyle hitting six of the goals assisted by Sam Hogan and Joe Harrison who both chipped in with trebles.

Waterloo Dock lost ground drawing 0-0 against Mersey Batteries which kept them in third place while Finn Harps are making a late claim for a top three spot after they beat Westpool 2-0 thanks to goals from Jack Hazelhurst and James Henshaw as MSB Woolton recorded their second win of the season with a 7-3 win over Liverton.

A reduced fixture list due to the Grand National saw Third Division side Garston Derby increase their chances of promotion after they beat Netherley Wood Lane 2-0 thanks to a Daniel Morley brace while Custy's moved back into the top 3 after a 7-2 win over Botanic which was secured thanks to doubles from both Harley Jones and Chris Clarke.

In the Second Division both games due to take place didn't happen, as Liverpool Hibernia couldn't field a side against Warbreck Reserves while the Woodstreet v BRNESC Reserves match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

In the First Division Salisbury lost 1-0 to top side Alumni, who scored through Andy Smilie, a result which ensures Premier League football for Alumni. Salisbury must look over their shoulder and hope that Walton Community somehow fail to win their games in hand.

Just one Premier Division match saw a resurgent Page Celtic beat Warbreck 3-0 thanks to a Jamie Henders double which was supplemented by a further effort from Mick James.